560 more Watford people claiming Job Seekers Allowance - an increase of one third since the end of January

12.46.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th May 2009

Latest Labour Market information published by the Office of the National Statistics has shown that the number of people in the Watford constituency claiming Job Seekers Allowance has risen by over a third since the end of January. A shocking 560 extra people have signed on, showing that the rate of increase is just higher than the national average.

Sal Brinton, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Watford said "These figures hide hundreds of personal stories where individuals and their families are facing very difficult times. They need practical help now to find new work.

"It's depressing to note that unemployment is now back to where it was when Labour came into power 12 years ago in 1997, but this time we also face a major recession and a 12% black hole deficit in public spending.

"We need urgent action to halt the surge in those losing their jobs, and we need to invest in new council and low cost housing and infrastructure projects. We need to insulate our homes, hospitals and schools. What we don't need is the gimmicks, posturing and buck passing that is New Labour's only response to a crisis of their own making."